7 Ham and Bean Soup Recipes Crockpot Cozy and Budget Friendly 2025

Searching for the Ultimate Cozy Meal to Use Up Leftover Ham? That holiday ham was a showstopper, but now the feast is over, and you’re left with a sizable ham bone or a container of leftover diced ham. The thought of letting it go to waste is heartbreaking, but you’re tired of the same old ham sandwiches. You need a simple, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

You’re looking for a “set it and forget it” solution that doesn’t require hours of standing over a hot stove. You want a recipe that will transform those humble leftovers into a deeply flavorful, hearty soup that can feed the whole family. The challenge is finding a reliable crockpot recipe that guarantees tender beans, savory ham, and a rich broth every single time, without any guesswork. We’ve slow-cooked countless batches to perfect these recipes, ensuring you get a flavorful, hearty soup every single time.

Crockpot ham and bean soup is the perfect cozy and budget-friendly meal for using leftover ham. This hearty soup combines tender beans, smoky ham, and savory vegetables in a simple “set it and forget it” slow cooker recipe, creating a rich, flavorful broth with minimal effort.

Why the Slow Cooker is Perfect for Ham and Bean Soup

Using a slow cooker for ham and bean soup allows for a long, slow simmer that tenderizes the beans perfectly, melds flavors deeply, and extracts maximum savory goodness from the ham bone, resulting in an exceptionally rich and flavorful broth with minimal hands-on time. The magic is in the low-and-slow method.

• Deep Flavor Meld: The extended, gentle cooking time gives the smoky ham, sweet vegetables, and earthy beans hours to get to know each other, creating a broth with incredible depth and complexity that you can’t achieve with faster cooking methods.
• Perfectly Tender Beans: A slow cooker hydrates and cooks dried beans evenly and gently. This prevents them from breaking apart or turning to mush, resulting in a creamy, tender texture that’s simply divine.
• “Dump and Go” Convenience: For busy days, nothing beats a crockpot meal. You can toss all the ingredients in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a house smelling of delicious, ready-to-eat soup.
• Maximum Ham Bone Goodness: The low, consistent heat is perfect for breaking down the collagen and connective tissues in a ham bone or hock. This releases all the savory flavor and natural gelatin, creating a luxuriously rich and full-bodied broth.

7 Cozy & Budget-Friendly Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Variations for 2025

Ready to turn that leftover ham into your new favorite comfort food? We’ve gathered 7 distinct and delicious slow cooker ham and bean soup recipes perfect for any occasion. Each of these 7 recipes has been carefully tested in our kitchen to ensure they are simple, flavorful, and reliable. From the traditional old-fashioned ham bone classic to a speedy version using canned beans, there’s a perfect bowl of warmth waiting for you.

Here are our top 7 variations:

1. The Classic Old-Fashioned Ham Bone Soup
2. Quick & Easy Slow Cooker Soup with Canned Beans
3. Hearty 15 Bean Soup with Ham
4. Creamy Northern Bean and Ham Soup
5. Crockpot Ham and Potato Bean Soup
6. Healthy Ham and Bean Soup with Kale
7. Simple Ham Hock & Navy Bean Soup

1. The Classic Old-Fashioned Ham Bone Soup

This is the quintessential recipe for a deep, authentic flavor, using a real ham bone and dried beans.

Ingredients:
* 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 smoked ham hocks)
* 1 lb dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and rinsed
* 1 large yellow onion, diced
* 3 celery stalks, diced
* 3 carrots, peeled and diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* Salt to taste (add at the end)
* Optional: 2 cups diced ham (if bone is not very meaty)

Instructions:
1. Place the rinsed, soaked beans in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic.
3. Nestle the ham bone into the center of the vegetables and beans.
4. Pour in the water or broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Do not add salt yet.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until beans are tender.
6. Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Let the bone cool slightly, then shred or dice the meat, discarding the bone and fat.
7. Return the meat to the slow cooker. If using extra diced ham, add it now.
8. Stir the soup. For a thicker consistency, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot.
9. Taste and season with salt and additional pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Pro-Tip: For an even deeper flavor base, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened before adding them to the slow cooker.

“Pin this classic comfort food recipe for your next cozy night in!”

2. Quick & Easy Slow Cooker Soup with Canned Beans

For a faster, simpler version that skips overnight soaking, this recipe uses the convenience of canned beans.

Ingredients:
* 2 lbs diced cooked ham
* 3 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern or navy beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients—ham, rinsed beans, onion, carrots, celery, broth, garlic powder, pepper, and bay leaf—in the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, just until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. Taste and add salt if necessary, though the canned beans and ham may provide enough.

Lesson Learned: When using canned beans, reduce the liquid slightly as they won’t absorb as much as dried beans. This prevents a watery soup.

“Save this quick weeknight dinner idea to your ‘Easy Recipes’ board!”

3. Hearty 15 Bean Soup with Ham

This visually appealing and texturally diverse soup uses a pre-packaged 15-bean mix for fantastic variety.

Ingredients:
* 1 (20-ounce) package 15 bean soup mix, rinsed and soaked overnight
* 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions:
1. Discard the seasoning packet from the bean mix. Place the soaked and rinsed beans in the slow cooker.
2. Add the ham bone/diced ham, onion, garlic, broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until the largest beans are tender.
5. If using a ham bone, remove it, shred the meat, and return the meat to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Pro-Tip: The included seasoning packet in bean mixes is often high in sodium. Making your own blend with chili powder and cumin gives you better flavor and more control over the salt.

“Love variety? Pin this colorful 15 Bean Soup recipe now!”

4. Creamy Northern Bean and Ham Soup

Achieve a rich, velvety soup texture without adding any dairy by partially blending the finished soup.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and rinsed
* 2 cups diced cooked ham
* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions:
1. Combine soaked beans, ham, onion, garlic, broth, rosemary, pepper, and bay leaf in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours, until beans are very tender.
3. Remove the bay leaf.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third of the soup directly in the crockpot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer 2-3 cups of soup to a regular blender, blend until creamy, and stir back into the pot.
5. Stir to combine the creamy portion with the chunky portion.
6. Season with salt to taste and serve.

Pro-Tip: For the creamiest texture, use an immersion blender. It’s safer and easier than transferring hot liquid to a traditional blender and gives you precise control over the final consistency.

“Get the secret to the creamiest bean soup! Pin it for later.”

5. Crockpot Ham and Potato Bean Soup

Create an even heartier, stew-like meal by adding tender chunks of potato to the mix.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and rinsed
* 1 meaty ham bone
* 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 8 cups water or broth
* 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:
1. Add soaked beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the water/broth and add the Italian seasoning and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
4. Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
5. Continue cooking on LOW for another 2-3 hours, or until potatoes and beans are tender.
6. Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return it to the pot.
7. Season with salt to taste. The starch from the potatoes will create a naturally thick soup.

Lesson Learned: Add the potatoes during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. If you add them at the beginning of an 8-10 hour cook time, they can become overly mushy and disintegrate.

“The ultimate comfort food! Pin this Ham and Potato Bean Soup recipe!”

6. Healthy Ham and Bean Soup with Kale

This healthier, nutrient-boosted version of the classic adds the vibrant color and benefits of fresh kale.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and rinsed
* 2 cups diced lean ham
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped

Instructions:
1. Combine the soaked beans, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, bay leaf, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beans are tender.
3. Remove the bay leaf.
4. Stir in the chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the soup.
5. Taste and season with salt if needed before serving.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, use Lacinato (or ‘dinosaur’) kale, as it holds its shape better than curly kale during cooking. Always add greens at the very end to keep their bright color and nutrients intact.

“Add a healthy twist to a classic! Pin this Ham and Kale Soup recipe.”

7. Simple Ham Hock & Navy Bean Soup

This straightforward, no-fuss recipe focuses on the deep, smoky flavor imparted by ham hocks.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and rinsed
* 2 large smoked ham hocks
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 8 cups water
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions:
1. Place the soaked and rinsed navy beans in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, then place the ham hocks on top.
3. Pour in the water and add the black pepper and bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until the meat is falling off the bone and beans are tender.
5. Remove the ham hocks and bay leaf. Shred the meat from the hocks, discarding skin, fat, and bones.
6. Return the shredded meat to the soup.
7. Stir well and season with salt to taste. The ham hocks provide a very rich, smoky broth.

Pro-Tip: Don’t be tempted to use broth instead of water in this recipe. Smoked ham hocks release an incredible amount of flavor, creating their own rich, smoky stock as they cook. Water is all you need.

“For the deepest smoky flavor, pin this Ham Hock Soup recipe!”

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

To guarantee a perfect pot of soup every time, keep these essential tips in mind.

• Soak Your Beans: For the best texture and more even cooking, always soak dried beans overnight. This also helps make them easier to digest.
• Build Flavor Early: Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a separate pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker creates a deeper, more savory base.
• Use a Ham Bone or Hock: For the richest, most authentic flavor, a meaty ham bone or smoked ham hock is essential. They add a depth and body to the broth that diced ham alone cannot.
• Salt at the End: Ham is already salty. Always wait until the soup has finished cooking to taste and add salt. Adding salt too early can also prevent dried beans from becoming fully tender.
• Mash for Thickness: For a creamier, thicker soup without adding dairy, simply use a fork to mash a cup of the cooked beans against the side of the crockpot and stir them back in.

People Also Ask About ham and bean soup recipes crockpot

What are the seasonings in ham and bean soup?

Classic seasonings for ham and bean soup create a savory, aromatic base. Key ingredients include bay leaves for depth, black pepper for a bit of spice, and dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning. Garlic and onion are essential aromatics, while a touch of mustard powder can brighten the smoky flavor of the ham. Always salt to taste at the end of cooking.

What beans not to cook in a slow cooker?

It is unsafe to cook certain raw beans in a slow cooker, particularly red kidney beans. They contain a high concentration of a toxin called lectin, which is only destroyed by boiling at a high temperature for at least 10 minutes. Slow cookers do not get hot enough to neutralize this toxin, which can cause severe food poisoning. White kidney (cannellini) and broad (fava) beans also have higher lectin levels and should be boiled before slow cooking.

Why does my ham and bean soup taste bland?

A bland ham and bean soup is usually due to under-seasoning or not building a strong flavor base. Ensure you use enough aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic. Using water instead of a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth can also result in a weaker taste. Most importantly, add salt at the end of cooking; tasting and adjusting the seasoning just before serving is the key to a perfectly balanced, non-bland soup.

What to add to ham and bean soup to eliminate gassy after effect?

To reduce the gas-causing properties of beans, the best first step is to soak them overnight and discard the soaking water. Additionally, adding certain spices to the soup can help. Herbs and spices like fennel, cumin, and bay leaves are known to aid digestion and break down the complex sugars in beans that cause gas. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also help.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to make the house feel cozy. This collection of ham and bean soup recipes proves that creating a memorable, comforting, and budget-friendly meal can be completely stress-free with the help of your crockpot. From the classic ham bone recipe to healthier or heartier variations, you have everything you need to transform simple leftovers into something truly special.

We’ve shared our 7 favorite variations, and now we’d love to hear from you! What’s your secret ingredient for the perfect ham and bean soup? Let us know in the comments below